Furlock Holmes

Furlock Holmes Pet Supplies and Services was created as a way to fundraise for its sister organisation, Furlock Holmes Animal Rescue (registered charity number 1179572). The business is run by ten animal-lovers and offers both pet care services and a pet supply shop. As Furlock Holmes grows, pet supplies are able to be shipped nationwide and the pet care services are carried out within a 12 mile radius of Whitchurch, Hampshire. This includes Andover, Basingstoke, Newbury, Winchester, Overton, Sutton Scotney, Kingsclere, Kings Worthy, Hurstbourne Tarrant, Goodworth Clatford and surrounding areas. Services include dog walking, elderly dog/puppy visits, small pet visits, boarding, grooming and more! Furlock Holmes provide a reliable, knowledgeable and adaptable service to your pet, providing them with enrichment, stimulation, socialisation, exercise and companionship while you are away.

For as long as I can remember, I have been at my happiest when surrounded by four-legged friends and, growing up on a smallholding, I was lucky enough to have a large collection of furry and feathered animals in my back garden. From a simple sibling bicker to being very unwell in college, animals were always my go-to when I needed a cuddle or a chat. I always have formed connections with animals a lot faster than with people, so no one was surprised when they became my full-time occupation!

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Furlock Holmes started as an animal rescue charity and has since grown into much more. Now offering animal-assisted visits, boarding facilities, a “Pet Club” for children, pet care services and a pet supply shop, the evolution of Furlock Holmes never stops and the charity currently has 25 volunteers while the services and shop have 10 employees.

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However, as I soon found out, pets have owners and owners are people! Like many other teenagers, I hadn’t developed my “people skills” or customer service when I first started Furlock Holmes. Now, however, I have dealt with people from all walks of life, from people dumping pets on my doorstep to people doing anything they can to help the animals. Although I have learnt a lot about animal care, I feel learning about mankind has been a steeper learning curve and I work to develop and maintain effective relationships with all clients and try my hardest to understand each of their individual requirements.

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To be a professional in the animal industry, it takes dedication and passion. I have always had a desire to learn and have come to understand that learning never stops. I am always studying, researching and finding out as much as I can about the physical, social, psychological, behavioural and emotional needs of animals not just to constantly develop the services I offer, but also out of curiosity and interest.

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As most people who visit me know, I have a large array of family pets here at my home. These include a horse, two miniature shetland ponies, two spaniels, two cats (including a very fluffy Persian), four rabbits, three guinea pigs, two hamsters and a large number of chickens – I even share my bed with a giant house rabbit, Bonnie!